Aston Martin DB5

Goldfinger wasn’t the first James Bond installment, but it did mark the debut of 007’s most famous gadget: his Aston Martin DB5. Similar to the DB4, but with improved drivability and the inline, 6-cylinder’s displacement improved from 3.7 liters to 4.0, the silver birch car used in Goldfinger close-ups (an identical car handled stunts) was actually the first DB5 prototype. Even with rather limited screen time between that film and the next, Thunderball, the DB5’s legend was instantly established, and continues to live on to this day. It’s still seen in modern Bond films and is the quintessential Aston for many collectors.

Given the period, 1963-1965, the DB5 was a perfectly capable car for the gentleman enthusiast. Most changes from the DB4 were beneath the skin, and the DB5 was a better car for those adjustments. Overheating problems were addressed, which was helpful when owners wanted to dash from 0-60 mph in 8.1 seconds. Early cars were fitted with a standard four-speed (and if you look closely in Goldfinger, you’ll notice Bond’s car was such an example), though the optional ZF five-speed later became standard. Top speed was also admirable for the day. Most DB5s were tuned to 282 horsepower and could achieve 148 mph, though the rare Vantage option yielded 314 horsepower. Driving behavior was admirable for the period and on par with the Jaguar E-Type in some respect, though the Aston didn’t appear as lithe in appearance or character.

The DB5 was less a design breakthrough than a showcase of subtle improvements in function and style. The basic look was already five years old in 1963, having been penned by Touring of Milan and revealed as the DB4 at the Paris auto show in 1958. Fortunately, the look aged well. The 2+2 was by no means petite, but it was graceful. One arguable exception could be the rear three-quarter view, in which the thickness and overhang suddenly become pronounced -- but such is a limitation of fastback design. Nevertheless, it does little to diminish the overall elegance and purpose of the DB5.

The cabin was typical of Aston Martin: sporting, with luxurious appointments. Improvements over the DB4 included electric windows and tinted glass. The rear seats would bring joy to few, but the front buckets were adequately supportive for their time and comfortable on long drives.